It’s been a long time since I posted anything about my conlangs (I think it’s been almost two years!) but I have still been working on them, and I have some updates on the language I’ve been creating here on the blog. First, I don’t know if I’ve shared it yet, but the language has … Read more
Thinking about word order brings us firmly (probably) into the world of syntax — the study of how phrases, clauses, and sentences are formed. In this post, I’ll examine word order and the types of things to think about when considering the word order of your conlang. Different Options When we talk about word order, … Read more
I’ll be honest: creating vocabulary is my least favorite part of language building. I love the phonetics, phonology, syntax, orthography, symbols, even verb conjugations, but coming up with vocabulary words is always a chore. I tend to rely too heavily on my own native language (English) and the languages I speak a bit or know … Read more
Syllables are made up of two elements: consonants (C) and vowels (V). These are the elements that we chose in the last post. Syllables can take many different shapes, but phonologically, vowels are always necessary. Common Structures for Syllables: V example: a CV ex: to VC ex: at CCV ex: true CVC ex: cat CVCC … Read more
Sounds and syllables are the building blocks of any language. When you are creating a language, you want to keep the sounds you use consistent. The consistency lends authenticity to your language, making it seem more natural. This is where phonetics can help you! Step 1: The Phonetic Inventory Phonetics is the study of sounds … Read more
A while ago I discovered that there was such a thing as “visual novels”. For anyone who doesn’t know what they are, they find their roots in Japan and are like virtual storybooks or choose-your-own story books in digital form. The format incorporates pictures, music, semi-moveable characters and choices that the reader/player can make for … Read more
What medium will you be using to convey your language? Will it be written? Spoken? Or maybe both? Do you need an alphabet? Conlangs (constructed languages) are created to be used and understood by actors, gamers, or readers. People write to be read, and often the best way to do that is by writing in … Read more
This post has moved. You can find it here on my editing website!
Who speaks your language? This is the second part of the Language Building series, where I’ll discuss elements of linguistics that aid in language building. This post deals with the differences between alien language and human language. Long story short: the nature of the characters speaking your language should have an effect of how it’s … Read more
As a linguist, I love language. I think it’s a requirement. I love learning about how language works and learning whatever I can in languages other than my own. One of my favorite topics in linguistics is fictional or constructed language. Klingon, Na’vi, Atlantean, Elvish— I love it all. A fictional language gives a … Read more
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